Red and blue, a classic Magic: The Gathering color combination, offers exciting possibilities for deckbuilding. But effective mana bases are crucial for any successful deck, and choosing the right lands for a red-blue (Izzet) deck is a key strategic decision. This guide explores the best lands for Izzet decks, considering various archetypes and strategies. We'll delve into the nuances of land selection, helping you optimize your mana base for consistent and powerful gameplay.
What are the Best Red and Blue Lands in MTG?
The "best" lands depend heavily on your specific deck's needs. A fast-paced, aggressive deck will prioritize getting to its key cards quickly, while a control deck might need more consistent mana production in the late game. However, some lands consistently prove effective across various Izzet strategies:
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Dual Lands: These lands produce mana of two colors, a staple in any multi-colored deck. Examples include Steamworks, Shivan Reef, and Watery Grave. While they enter tapped, their dual-color production is invaluable.
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Fetch Lands: Fetch lands like Bloodstained Mire and Scalding Tarn allow you to fetch a specific basic land from your deck, improving your mana consistency and fixing color problems. Their power lies in their ability to manipulate your mana base throughout the game, crucial in mitigating early-game mana screw.
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Shock Lands: Shock lands such as Bloodstained Mire, Sacred Foundry, and Steamworks enter the battlefield tapped but offer consistent mana production once they’re in play. The drawback is the life loss upon entry. These lands are best suited for decks that can afford the minor life sacrifice for consistent mana.
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Basic Lands: Never underestimate the importance of basic Mountains and Islands! They provide a reliable mana base for your deck.
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Cycling Lands: Cycling lands like Lonely Sandbar and Tranquil Thicket offer a bit of card advantage while providing basic land types. They're especially useful in decks that benefit from cycling mechanics.
What are the different types of Red and Blue lands?
Beyond the categories mentioned above, let's explore some additional land types that could find their way into your Izzet deck:
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Fast Lands: Lands like Wooded Foothills and Misty Rainforest are powerful fetch lands. While slightly more expensive, they enter untapped, giving you a faster start to the game.
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Check Lands: Check lands, such as Flooded Strand and Polluted Delta, enable you to fetch specific basic lands from your deck. They have a slightly higher cost but are an excellent addition to various deck archetypes.
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Command Tower: A colorless land that adds any color to your mana pool. Useful in any multi-colored deck.
How many lands should I run in my Izzet deck?
The ideal number of lands varies depending on the deck's strategy and the number of non-land cards requiring specific colors. A good starting point is typically between 24 and 26 lands, but this number might need adjustment based on testing and fine-tuning. Too few lands risk mana screw, while too many can lead to slow draws, making you less efficient in the game.
What are some good budget Red and Blue lands?
Building a competitive deck without breaking the bank is possible. Consider these budget-friendly options:
- Basic Lands: These are always the most affordable and readily available.
- Common Dual Lands: Some sets feature common dual lands which are considerably cheaper.
What are the best lands for an Izzet aggro deck?
For Izzet aggro, prioritize lands that enter untapped. Fast lands and shock lands are excellent choices, providing early aggression. Fetch lands can help mitigate early game mana issues and ensure consistent turn one mana to aid in the aggressive start of the game.
What are the best lands for an Izzet control deck?
Izzet control decks benefit from consistent mana production throughout the game. A mix of dual lands, fetch lands, and shock lands provides a solid foundation, ensuring the mana required for the late-game plays and spells that such a deck tends to run.
Choosing the right lands is a crucial aspect of deckbuilding in Magic: The Gathering. By carefully considering your deck’s strategy and the available options, you can create a mana base that supports your gameplay and increases your chances of victory. Remember that experimentation and fine-tuning are key to finding the optimal land configuration for your Izzet deck.
